Wow – a sunny stay on the Isle of Man!

We had allowed two weeks on the Isle of Man to unpack and get ready for the next leg of our adventure. We arrived with a beautiful sunny scenic flight, although of course we were greeted by the familiar cold Manx breeze.

The preparations included finding accommodation in France, buying a van, converting the van to a “motor home” and bicycle garage, getting me a new mountain bike to take on the Alps, selling my old bike, arranging travel and tenant’s insurance plus quite a long list of things. This was all made easier as the Isle of Man was sunny for the whole time we were there, in the second week we even experienced really hot days and warm evenings – that never happens on The Rock!!!!!

We were staying with Pete’s parents out in the countryside and loved the birdsong everyday. I took the opportunity to go running some mornings around the Clypse Reservoir (flippin hilly to get there though) and had an amazing evening paddle to The Calf of Man with some friends one evening.

It was an amazing evening topped off by seeing a dolphin cruising along. How amazing!

We also had the opportunity to catch up with lots of great friends and family which included The Royal Sausagefest party featuring The Disco Shed.

Our fab hosts Charlie (best pizza chef ever) and Kathryn.

And out a few meals out – well we did have to make up for cycling everywhere on the Island as we’d sold our cars earlier in the year.

Fortunately we also got to stay for a few days of the TT practices and sat out at the Creg my Baa with all the family on a warm, sunny evening wearing just shorts and t-shirt – bliss!

And then it was time to pack for France.

This is what the van looked like when we first got it and were painting it white inside.

And this is the finished article all ready and packed up.

Now we just need to collect the bed mattress in the UK and we will be ready. So we have 3 days in the UK to do some mountain biking and stay with friends and family before heading to France.

And what better way to leave the island than on a flat calm sea!

See you all again in a few month’s time……..